Robert Letendre

Robert G. Letendre, 69

Sturbridge - Robert "Bob" G. Letendre, 69, of Fiske Hill Rd., passed away peacefully on Monday, July 11 at UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus, Worcester, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family and closest friend.

Bob is survived by his father, George R. Letendre; his brother, Dennis J. Letendre; his sister-in-law, Wendy (Luukko) Letendre; his nieces, Rebecka Lamarine and her husband Peter of Southbridge, Elizabeth Letendre of Sturbridge, and Jessica Dakin and her husband David of Collinsville, CT; and a nephew Joshua; his grand-neices Caroline Lamarine, Kellie and Rachel Letendre; and a grand-nephew Patrick Lamarine. He was born in Southbridge the son of George Letendre and the late Therese (O'Brien) Letendre. Bob served honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and was injured in a naval operation which left him paralyzed at the age of 19. Doctors at the time indicated Bob would not survive more than 5 years due to his injuries. Bob fought, as he did his whole life, and thrived for another 50 years.

Bob was a founding partner of GDR Manufacturing in Southbridge with his father and brother where he also worked as the company treasurer from 1977 until 1982.

Bob was an avid musician, playing with a number of local bands in the 70s with his brother and his father who managed the bands. Bob was an incredibly talented artist and completed many beautiful paintings and sketches throughout the years. Bob was also an active member of the Central Mass Wanderers and attended many car shows in his classic car.

Bob enjoyed numerous trips to Maine and Florida with his family, and his most enjoyable times were those spent with his grand-nieces and grand-nephew attending sporting events, concerts and activities of which they were a part.

Bob was deeply religious, a lifetime member of Notre Dame of the Saint John Paul II Parish in Southbridge. Bob loved life, and his courageous never-give-up attitude will be left as a legacy for all of us. He was the most generous of men, and was never seen without a smile on his face. Bob will always be remembered riding around Southbridge in his custom "Ironsides" van.

The family would like to thank his caregivers over the many years, and the staff at UMass Memorial Medical Center for the kind and compassionate care he received.

His funeral will be held on Monday, July 18, from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a Mass at 10:00 am in the Notre Dame Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 446 Main St., Southbridge. Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Sunday, July 15, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Burial will follow at New Notre Dame Cemetery in Southbridge.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New England Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1600 Boston Providence Highway, Walpole, MA 02081.

www.morrillfuneralhome.com